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Cheap flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns from $124

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 21/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
MEL — CNS
26 Feb — 5 Mar1
1 adult

The best prices from Melbourne to Cairns are usually found in February or January, booked 62 days in advance, depart on a Thursday or Saturday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Melbourne (MEL) to Cairns (CNS). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated 21 February 2025.

Round-trip from

$240

One-way from

$124

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$263

Good round-trip deal

$252 or less

Good one-way deal

$131 or less
Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 13/3-17/3
  • Nonstop
  • 6h 45m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
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Jetstar
  • Jetstar
  • 21/5
  • Nonstop
  • 3h 20m total
  • Melbourne to Cairns
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 11% potential increase in price ($82 potential increase over avg. return price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($12 potential savings vs. average return price).
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Average for round-trip flights in February 2025
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Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Melbourne to Cairns.
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Find flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns

Cheapest flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Melbourne to Cairns. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on 21 February 2025.

Wed 26/206:00MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mJetstar
Wed 5/309:45CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mJetstar
Deal found 19/2$240
Sun 23/206:15MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 15mMultiple Airlines
Thu 27/211:45CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 19/2$310
Fri 10/1006:05MEL - CNS
Nonstop3h 25mVirgin Australia
Mon 13/1019:50CNS - MEL
Nonstop3h 30mVirgin Australia
Deal found 20/2$318

Find flights from Melbourne to Cairns within your budget

Customise your flight search to find flights from Melbourne to Cairns that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 21 February 2025.

Fly from

Melbourne

Fly to

Cairns

Route

Depart

Return

Price

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Thu 13/3

06:15-08:30

Nonstop3h 15m

Cairns

Mon 17/3

09:45-14:15

Nonstop3h 30m

$240

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Sun 17/8

06:25-09:45

Nonstop3h 20m

Cairns

Tue 26/8

10:20-13:50

Nonstop3h 30m

$318

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 23/7

06:15-09:40

Nonstop3h 25m

Cairns

Sun 27/7

20:25-23:55

Nonstop3h 30m

$329

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 21/5

17:20-20:40

Nonstop3h 20m

$124

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 19/3

06:05-08:35

Nonstop3h 30m

$155

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Wed 16/7

21:35-08:40

1 stop11h 05m

$243

MelbourneCairns

MEL - CNS

MELCNS

Melbourne

Mon 14/7

14:45-22:35

2 stops7h 50m

$466

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Deals found on 20/2

Best time to book a flight from Melbourne to Cairns

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Cairns from Melbourne with our price prediction graph.
Estimated return price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Travel insights for flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Get recent, data-driven insights about flights from Melbourne to Cairns including ideal travel times, pricing trends, and more.

How far ahead should I book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a return flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 14 February 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns, you should look to book at least 62 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $185). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in June is currently the most expensive (average of $243). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from MEL to CNS?

Find hourly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated 21 February 2025.

Unlike in the evening, when flights are generally more expensive, you can save up to 70% on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns by exploring options for tickets in the afternoon.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly return from Melbourne to Cairns. Price data was last updated on 16 February 2025.

Travellers seeking maximum savings on their Melbourne Airport to Cairns flight should consider departing on Tuesday evenings when fares are most often at their lowest. Wednesday evenings flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Weekly flight availability from Melbourne Airport to Cairns

Explore weekly flight availability from Melbourne to Cairns. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated 21 February 2025.

The most flights from MEL to CNS are scheduled on a Thursday (20 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Saturday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (12 on average).

Rainfall in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average rainfall totals by month.

In terms of precipitation, rainfall in Cairns ranges from 20.0 - 430.0 inches per month. March is typically the wettest month, when rainfall can reach 430.0 mm. July is typically the driest time to visit Cairns when rainfall is around 20.0 mm.

Temperature in Cairns by month

Plan your trip to Cairns by taking into account the average temperature totals by month.

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Cairns, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, January is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 27.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of June, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 21.0 C).

Reviews of airlines servicing Cairns

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Cairns. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to Cairns. Reviews last updated 21 February 2025.
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
417 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.6

Crew

8.1

Entertainment

6.3

Food

6.4

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Simon,Oct 2024

BNE - SYD

Original flight from Brisbane to Melbourne was cancelled. Given this Brisbane to Sydney trip as only alternate. Meant I missed spending 6hrs with my dying mother. Delays all the way through the airport then a crappy flight to Sydney ( for a 1.5hr layover). Poor form Virgin. Customer service is no longer important at Virgin.

Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
417 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
417 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.6

Crew

8.1

Entertainment

6.3

Food

6.4

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Simon,Oct 2024

BNE - SYD

Original flight from Brisbane to Melbourne was cancelled. Given this Brisbane to Sydney trip as only alternate. Meant I missed spending 6hrs with my dying mother. Delays all the way through the airport then a crappy flight to Sydney ( for a 1.5hr layover). Poor form Virgin. Customer service is no longer important at Virgin.

Qantas Airways
7.4
Good
814 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
417 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.6

Crew

8.1

Entertainment

6.3

Food

6.4

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Simon,Oct 2024

BNE - SYD

Original flight from Brisbane to Melbourne was cancelled. Given this Brisbane to Sydney trip as only alternate. Meant I missed spending 6hrs with my dying mother. Delays all the way through the airport then a crappy flight to Sydney ( for a 1.5hr layover). Poor form Virgin. Customer service is no longer important at Virgin.

Jetstar
6.6
Okay
444 reviews
Virgin Australia
7.5
Good
417 reviews
Check prices

Comfort

7.4

Boarding

7.6

Crew

8.1

Entertainment

6.3

Food

6.4

Overall

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20

2.0
Mediocre

Simon,Oct 2024

BNE - SYD

Original flight from Brisbane to Melbourne was cancelled. Given this Brisbane to Sydney trip as only alternate. Meant I missed spending 6hrs with my dying mother. Delays all the way through the airport then a crappy flight to Sydney ( for a 1.5hr layover). Poor form Virgin. Customer service is no longer important at Virgin.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Melbourne to Cairns. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What airport do you fly into for flights to Cairns from Melbourne?

    If you book a flight to Cairns from Melbourne, you will be flying to Cairns, which is the city’s only airport. Cairns (CNS) is located 4.4 km from the centre of Cairns. There are 15 flights from Melbourne to Cairns per day from 3 different airlines.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns round-trip?

    Our cheapest airline available from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Jetstar. Our recent data shows that you can find tickets from as low as $240 on this airline. An additional option worth looking into is Virgin Australia, starting at $329. Jetstar is priced at 39% lower than the current average price of a flight leaving 3 months from now.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Melbourne Airport to Cairns one-way?

    $124 is the cheapest one-way deal found within the past few days, from Jetstar. You may also be able to find cheap deals on Virgin Australia and Qantas Airways, with prices starting from $155 and $466, respectively.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    The top 3 most reliable airlines when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns are Qatar Airways (96%), Etihad Airways (95%) and Virgin Australia (91%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    On average you can expect to pay $1,095 for a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns. The cheapest flight overall is $120 while the most popular route, (Melbourne - Cairns) is currently priced at $229.

  • Where are the most common stopover locations when flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights have a stopover in Sydney most often.

  • What are some popular things to do or see while on a stopover in Sydney?

    If you're on a stopover in Sydney and looking for things to do, consider visiting Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets, or State Theatre. Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Markets and State Theatre are located about 9.9 km, 9.6 km, and 8.2 km, respectively from Sydney Kingsford Smith if you are interested in checking them out. Travellers in need of a car in Sydney can hire one for about $50 per day.

  • Where are the least popular stopover locations for Melbourne Airport to Cairns flights?

    The least popular stopover on flights from Melbourne Airport to Cairns is Brisbane.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Melbourne to Cairns flights, Cheapflights offers holiday packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Melbourne to Cairns.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns?

    Currently, February is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Melbourne Airport to Cairns (average of $185). Flying from Melbourne Airport to Cairns in June is currently the most expensive (average of $243). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Travelling to a place near Melbourne Airport?

Book flights to Melbourne Airport if you plan to visit one of these locations
Trinity Beach
Mission Beach

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Fly from Melbourne to Cairns on these airlines

Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Melbourne to Cairns. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on 21 February 2025.
Jetstar flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Virgin Australia flights from Melbourne to Cairns
Qantas Airways flights from Melbourne to Cairns

Top 3 airlines flying from Melbourne to Cairns

Discover the top 3 airlines that operate flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 647,157 searches. Data last updated 21 February 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
JetstarCheapest$198Average$388FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Jetstar flights
Virgin AustraliaCheapest$236Average$465FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time80%
Search Virgin Australia flights
Qantas AirwaysCheapest$292Average$601FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time74%
Search Qantas Airways flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travellers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Melbourne to Cairns?

Cheapflights goes through 900+ travel sites to look for the best flight deals for flights from Melbourne to Cairns. Too many options? Cheapflights also provides filters for things like airlines, price ranges, and number of stops to help you make a decision easily.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Melbourne to Cairns?

Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from Melbourne to Cairns for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Melbourne to Cairns with no change fees?

Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights from Melbourne to Cairns, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Melbourne to Cairns become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Melbourne to Cairns flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

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